Dear loved of God,

Usually I am writing sooner, but my heart was so heavy over the news of family that had to evacuate because of a raging fire. Paradise, California is no more. Engulfed completely in flames. So many without a home to go back to. I am so thankful they are safe and God has a plan even in this. I, we, must hold to our faith in The One Who holds all things in His hands.

Father, You are our sanctuary, a sacred and indestructible assylum to those who reverently fear and put their trust in You. You are our hope and give us heart peace even when nothing is left to our name. Thank you for saved lives today. Thank you that those who didn't know you before now are calling out to You. Lord, You really do want our full attention. We give it to You now in the name of Jesus, amen.

God knows you better than you know yourself. He formed you in your mother's womb and is molding you into the person you will become. He patiently waits for you to return to Him because He loves you so much. He gives you a way back through Jesus His Son. He is the bridge between a perfect Father and where you stand right now. All you have to do is take it. Trust to walk that bridge above the deep, dark channels below, will bring you into His everlasting Light.

We have been given many promises in the Bible. They are all true, none of them is a lie. God's words aren't some kind of a program or show but genuine and real. It offers all the guidance and hope you will ever need. You lost your home, your livelyhood? Now look to Him to fill all of your needs. He will not short change you or disappoint you. What God has in mind for your future is not impaired by fire, flood or storm of any kind. Your future is in His loving hands regardless of your circumstances. The Lord will make a way where there seems to be no way. Jesus is the gift for you. You must have the faith to accept God's precious gift and live for Him.

No more distractions. Only eyes up and focused on Jesus. Press in to know the Lord and hear Him speak to you through His Word. They will be life to you. Take courage and lift up heavy hands. Put on a garment of praise for the heaviness you are feeling right now. You made it through a fiery trial of unspeakable sorrow and loss. Run to Him for great peace.

Some various words of encouragement from Psalm 118. "Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place. It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man. The Lord is my Strength and song; and He has become my Salvation. I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works and recount the illustrious acts of the Lord. This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it. You are my God, and I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You; You are my God, I will extol You. O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever."

You can look up the verses if you want. I needed to just put it this way to make it personal for myself. You know we have been together awhile now and my one desire is that find your hearts so connected to the Lord Jesus, that you cannot help but exclaim His glory. He is so good to us! Whether the wind is blowing and the air is chilly you to the bone, or you find yourself in where it is warm and safe...The Lord Is With You. This is an issue of trust.

So, bless the Lord with all your heart. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. You can love those around you with a full cup of His grace pouring out of your life. Delight in the Lord. Trust in Him. Turn your eyes away from anything that won't last. Look up in faith that He is looking into your own eyes. Observe His Word. Hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it and He will deal bountifully with you. His promise.

As we close this evening I pray the blessing of being held in His hands; knowing this, make all the difference in your life. Never before have you been so loved as you are right now. It doesn't matter what the world calls valuable, those things won't last. But, you have a hope that will always carry you through to the next day and the days after. You are in my prayers. God bless and keep you in the unending love of Jesus, amen.

Abundance is...my faith rests in Him